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I gently picked her up and gave her a hug, swaying as I held her and breathing in her perfect newborn scent.
“Ahhh. Addison. Daniel. You’re here,” said the doctor, walking in with a smile that I tried to dissect. Hoping today was the day.
“As always.” Daniel chuckled as he ran his finger over Bridgette’s cheek.
“I have good news,” said the doctor.
My breath caught. I looked at her hopefully.
She nodded, as if to answer my question. “Today is the day.”
I could already feel the tears streaming down my face as Daniel held Bridgette and me to him. I barely registered what the doctor was saying because my head kept echoing…
Today is the day.
Life could begin for us three. Really begin.
We spent the next several hours waiting to be discharged. It was a lengthier process given Bridgette’s history. The nurse also had to take us through care instructions. I didn’t care though. We got to take our baby home today.
Around 4 o’clock, we carried Bridgette out of the hospital for what I prayed would be the very last time. Armand had insisted on setting up her car seat in the town car and was waiting at the curb for us. When he saw me holding Bridgette, I could have sworn his eyes had teared up. I positioned her so he could get a better look.
“She’s beautiful,” he whispered.
Those were definite tears.
“Thank you, Armand. Thank you for everything,” I said, and I leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the cheek.
His face turned red as he opened the door for Daniel and me. We gently eased Bridgette in the car seat and took too long making sure everything was just right before we began our drive to my place in Brooklyn. The whole time we stared at our beautiful girl who sat between us, drifting off to sleep by the lull of the car.
When we got to my building, Armand came around and helped us out of the car. We unstrapped Bridgette from the car seat and Daniel scooped her up. She looked like a pink fuzzy teddy bear in his strong arms. The contrast was the sweetest thing I had ever seen. She yawned and blinked a few times as she realized the change of scenery.
“Welcome home, baby girl,” I said.
I opened the door to the building and we carried Bridgette up to the second floor. I unlocked my door and pushed the door open. I slightly stumbled backward as I saw what was inside.
There were pink roses everywhere. On the tables, the counters, lined against the walls. There was a white balloon arch above every window. There was an array of desserts on my small dining room table. Powdered donuts, chocolate croissants, berry tarts. But besides all of that, there were friends and family. Monica stood in the center of the room with a glass of champagne in hand, grinning cheek to cheek. Next to her were my parents, and on the other side of her was who I could only assume was Daniel’s brother. Shelley was also there, and a few old coworkers from the nonprofit. Freddy and Virginia.
“Since you never had a baby shower,” said Daniel softly in my ear.
I looked up at him and just shook my head in awe.
“Is this… is this…okay? For…” I looked to Bridgette.
He nodded reassuringly. “I talked to the doctor today. She’s strong enough.”
I felt a wave of relief.
After I greeted everyone and gave them all hugs, Daniel placed Bridgette gently in my arms and put his hand on my lower back as he guided me further into my small apartment. I went to Monica first, who cried when I handed her Bridgette. She cradled her in her arms and rocked her back and forth, taking her all in.
“She’s perfect. Just perfect,” she murmured.
“Did you do all of this?” I asked, looking around.
Monica nodded. “With a little help.” She looked up at Daniel and winked. “It washisidea.”
“You two?” I pointed between them in surprise.
“We’re besties now,” said Daniel with a laugh.